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Heartfelt Thanks from the Former Captain
In a touching display of gratitude, Liam Cooper, the former captain of Leeds United, took to social media to express his appreciation for the warm welcome he received upon returning to Elland Road. The 33-year-old defender watched his old club draw 1-1 against Blackburn Rovers on January 1, a match that brought back fond memories but ended in disappointment.
From Leeds to Bulgaria: Cooper’s New Chapter
After a decade with Leeds, Cooper left the club as a free agent at the end of last season, making the switch to CSKA Sofia in Bulgaria. His departure marked the end of an era, as he played a pivotal role in Leeds’ promotion back to the Premier League during the 2019-20 season under manager Marcelo Bielsa. Now, as he settles into his new life abroad, Cooper remains connected to the club that shaped his career.
A Match of Missed Opportunities
The match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions for Leeds fans. The home side took the lead thanks to Pascal Struijk, who converted a penalty after a foul on Mateo Joseph. However, their joy was short-lived. Just two minutes later, Blackburn’s Danny Batth equalised after Leeds failed to clear a corner, leaving the home crowd frustrated. The draw meant Leeds missed a chance to secure vital points in their quest for promotion.
Leeds Still Top the Table
Despite the draw, Leeds United remained three points clear at the top of the Championship table, thanks to Burnley’s goalless draw with Stoke and Sheffield United’s defeat to Sunderland. Manager Daniel Farke will be hoping his side can bounce back in their next match against Hull City, as they aim to solidify their position as title contenders.
Cooper’s Journey in Bulgaria
Since joining CSKA Sofia, Cooper has found consistency in his performances, starting all 13 matches across various competitions. While he has yet to contribute to the scoresheet, he did unfortunately notch an own goal during his 1,104 minutes on the pitch. His transition to Bulgarian football has been a learning experience, and he continues to adapt to a different style of play.
A Fond Farewell and Future Aspirations
After the match against Blackburn, Cooper shared an image on Instagram featuring himself and his family, accompanied by a heartfelt message to Leeds supporters: “Really enjoyed that, thank you all. MOT.” His words resonated with fans who remember his dedication and leadership during his time at the club.
Looking Ahead: Leeds’ Upcoming Fixtures
Leeds United‘s next challenge will see them travel to East Yorkshire to face Hull City, where they will look to extend their lead at the top of the Championship. Following that, Farke’s side will host League Two strugglers Harrogate in their first FA Cup match of the season, a fixture that presents an opportunity to advance in the prestigious tournament.
Transfer Rumours: A Potential Move for Buendia?
In other news swirling around Elland Road, there are whispers of a potential transfer involving Emiliano Buendia. With Unai Emery reportedly green-lighting a move, Leeds fans are left speculating about what this could mean for their squad as they strive for success in both league and cup competitions.
As Liam Cooper continues his journey in Bulgaria, the bond he shares with Leeds United remains strong. Fans will undoubtedly keep an eye on both his progress overseas and the fortunes of their beloved club as they navigate the challenges ahead in the Championship.
